from Chip Alexander of the News & Observer,

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward has a lot driving him as a new season approaches -- a motivational checklist, if you will.

Ward wants to lead the Hurricanes back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2009.

He wants to prove he's an elite goaltender in the NHL.

He wants to play well enough to get himself back in the conversation for Canada's Olympic team for the 2014 Games.

Finally, Ward wants to prove a serious knee injury last season was only a temporary setback, that he's healthy and the knee no longer an issue.

Canes coach Kirk Muller said he senses Ward has "fire in his belly." And Ward doesn't disagree.

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